The Canon EOS 3000 is a single lens reflex camera for the European and Japanese market. The 35mm camera is a Canon product and was presented to the world in 1999. It is the predecessor of the Canon EOS 3000N and was the successor of the Canon EOS 5000.
The 35mm camera was also available under the name “Canon EOS 88” on the Asian market outside Japan. In the USA you could not buy the camera.
With a data back it was available under the name “EOS 3000 QD”. This copy was able to expose the current time while taking the pictures. The Japanese copies came with a panorama function.
The new price in Japan at that time was 65,000 Yen for the camera with lens. It was delivered with the Canon EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 III.
The lens of the Canon EOS 3000 can be changed. Lenses with an EF bayonet can be used with the camera. The focusing of the lens is done by a built-in autofocus system.
The Canon EOS 3000 has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films in a range from ISO 6 to ISO 6400. The correct ISO value is read by the DX code on the film cartridge (ISO 25 to ISO 5000) and the light meter is set accordingly.
Exposure is metered through the lens. Exposure is automatically set by the camera in program mode. The desired shutter speed can be set manually in manual mode. The aperture is also freely selectable. There are also other exposure modes.
There is a bulb mode for long exposures. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter release button is pressed. A tripod socket and a self-timer are provided.
The Canon EOS 3000 has a built-in flash. This has a range of twelve meters with ISO 100 films. A hot shoe flash can also be connected. The flash sync speed of the EOS 3000 is 1/90 second according to the manual.
At a size of 14.5 x 9.2 x 6.1 cm, the Canon EOS 3000 weighs 345 grams. Power is supplied by two CR123A batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon EOS 3000
Which films does the Canon EOS 3000 need? Films of the 35mm format are used. 35mm films are still easy to get and are developed by most photo labs. A recommendation for taking pictures with this camera is Kodak Gold 200* for color pictures and Ilford FP4 Plus* for b/w pictures.
The color film is developed in the C-41 process. C-41 films can be developed by most photo labs. For example, the large drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films.
Canon EOS 3000 Quartz Date
The Canon EOS 3000 was not only available as a standard model, but also in a special “Quartz Date” variant (QD). This QD version offered the unique feature of overlaying the date of capture directly into the image. This was particularly helpful for later organizing and archiving the photos, as EXIF data was not available at the time like in today’s digital photography.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/90 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x CR123A batteries |
| Size | 14,5 x 9,2 x 6,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.62 x 2.40 inches |
| Weight | 345 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 51,22 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 98 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 54,78 Euro (58.45 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 55,02 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 47,40 Euro (50.87 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS 3000
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Canon EOS 3000 uses 35mm film, also known as a small picture format. These are still readily available today, and most photo labs can develop them. Color or black and white films can be used.
Can I change the lenses on the camera?
Yes, the Canon EOS 3000 has interchangeable lenses. It uses EF-mount lenses, so you have a wide variety of Canon lenses to choose from.
How does the camera focus?
This 35mm camera has a built-in autofocus system. It automatically focuses on your subject, making it easy to take sharp photos.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, it features a built-in flash with a range of twelve meters using ISO 100 film. You can also connect an external flash using the hot shoe.
What are the battery requirements for the Canon EOS 3000?
The camera is powered by two CR123A batteries. These are readily available in most electronics stores.